Lube dies? Crimping?

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2rott

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Jan 10, 2011
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Central West FL.
I'm new to reloading. I have hand me down equipment, including several RCBS carbide die sets. The 45LC dies were pretty gruddy, so I sprayed them with Brake Parts Cleaner. Should I use any kind of lube on them? I don't see a crimp die in the set. At least it wasn't marked Crimp. Does 45LC need to be crimped? I'm loading 200 G lead for very light cowboy loads.
 
My RCBS pistol seating dies also crimp. Try to get your hands on RCBS directions, they will probably send them to you if you call and ask.
 
Yes, the seating die will have a crimping ring in it. Generally, you set the die up by seating the bullet to the depth you want without a crimp. Then back off the seating stem and set the die body to obtain the crimp you desired. Then lower the seating stem to touch the bullet. You may need to make minor adjustments with the next few cases to get the bullet seated where you want but once set and locked down, you will be good to go.

Some folks like to crimp in a separate step. In those instances, you leave the seater die crimp back off from the case mouth and set the crimp die separately.

Generally, carbide hand gun dies do not need lube. Clean it up as best you can. Hopefully, the carbide ring has not been scored. If you see vertical scratches in your brass, the ring may be damaged. You can try polishing the ring, but since it is very hard, you may not have much success with that. The polishing may clean out any debris that is stuck around the ring and did not get cleaned out before.

It is a good idea to contact RCBS for instructions. They may even have them posted on their web site, but maybe not.

Hope this is helpful.
 
Long Colt Reloading

Suggestions:
Invest in a Good Reloading Book
Hornady One Shot on the Cases before loading in a Progressive
Lee Factory Crimp Die to handle the Crimp and keep from having collapsed Round.
Note: Your bullets should be Flat Nose if you are Running in a Long Gun due to Magazine
Loading.
 
Thanks for the help. I have Lyman 49th on order & I downloaded RCBS die instructions. I also picked up some One Shot. I think I need a light crimp on these light loads? Thanks to all.
 
You only need to remove the bell from the case mouth. No need to dig the case mouth into the bullet. Metallic cartriges are held together by friction between the case wall and the bullet. If you keep those surfaces free of lubricants, there is no need for excessive crimps which don't work anyway.
 
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